The olive leaf has been a sign of peace and prosperity for many generations. In Genesis, a dove returns to Noah's arc with a fresh olive leaf in its mouth pronouncing the end of the flood. Today the olive branch has become a symbol of peace and even appears on the flag of the United Nations.

We have heard plenty of the health benefits of olive oil, but very little of the health benefits of olive leaves. Recent research shows that the extract made from olive leaves can cure and protect from various diseases and symptoms.

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It all begins with Pythochemicals ("plant chemicals") whose main purpose is to protect the plant from parasites and maladies. By consuming the plants, our bodies absorb the paythochemicals that protect us from the same hazards. One of those pythochemicals is called Oleuropein, which can be found in olive leaves.

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Here are 10 health benefits of olive leaves:

1. They help prevent or slow down the development of cancer:Findings from a study conducted in 2010-2011 show that the active ingredient in olive leaves can slow down the development of cancer cells in women who suffer from breast cancer, as well as slow down the development of Melanoma in cells that were taken from mice.

2. They encourage bone formationIn a study conducted in Spain in 2011, researchers discovered that the Oleuropein found in olive oils encourages the production of osteroblasts - large cells responsible for the development of the bone - which prevent osteoporosis and a decrease in bone mass.

3. They fight against bacterial and viral infectionsOleuropein is especially useful in fighting against micro-organisms such as viruses and bacteria. It transforms into elenolic acid in the body, which stops the reproduction of amino acids in viruses and bacteria, thus preventing them from replicating and spreading.

4. They prevent agingFree radicals can damage the skin by disrupting the process of DNA formation. Olive leaves are rich in phenols, antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help revitalize our skin.

5. They reduce inflammationOleuropein's ability to fight against germs can cure infections and relieve inflammation.

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lower blood pressureResearchers found that oleuropein can also improve blood circulation and prevent blood clotting. Olive leaves can also balance your blood sugar levels by improving the activity of liver insulin receptors.

7. They Fight against cholesterol Olive leaves are also known for their ability to stop the formation of LDL ("bad cholesterol") by preventing oxidation.

8. They Reinforce the immune systemThe phytochemicals found in olive leaves support the activity of Vitamin C, which is essential to our immune system.

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9. They cure infectionsAs part of its antiviral activity, olive leaf extract can also cure viral infections such as herpes and influenza.

10. And the list goes on and on...Since olive leaves have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, they can also help in cases of malaria, allergies, psoriasis, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and more.